What's it like:    Electrologists use the procedure of electrolysis, also called electrology, to permanently remove clients' unwanted facial or body hair. In electrolysis, an electrologist inserts a fine sterile needle or probe into an individual hair follicle and uses a machine, called an epilator, to send an electrical current through the needle to the hair growth tissue. This electrical current destroys the hair growth tissue, which stops new hair from growing.

Electrologists work in beauty salons and electrolysis clinics. Before they begin the procedure, they meet with clients to explain how electrolysis works and to discuss the clients' needs and explain the procedure and its limitations. Sometimes they must refer clients to doctors, since some types of heavy hair growth are a symptom of conditions like a thyroid problem that require medical attention.

Depending on each individual person, and skin type, there may be some discomfort during a treatment, some redness that usually disappears within 15 to 20 minutes, and some degree of irritation.  Any persons who decides to proceed  with this process undergoes several treatment sessions, each of which lasts anywhere between fifteen, twenty, or more minutes, depending on the outcome desired. The number of appointments, the length of the appointments, and the number of times an electrologist must probe the hair follicle varies widely, depending on the thickness of hair, the area where the hair is, and the client's individual reaction.

Electrologists need both extensive knowledge of hair and skin physiology and technical skills. Each person and each hair follicle is different, and electrologists must understand how variables, such as skin tone and hair thickness, affect the procedure. They must also be skilled in working instruments and equipment, knowing exactly how to position and insert the needle and determining the proper current to apply to the needle.

Electrologists need a friendly, confident, and outgoing personality. To attract clients, electrologists must be enthusiastic practitioners with a desire to help others improve their image through electrolysis. They must also instill trust in their clients who need to feel comfortable discussing their needs with their electrologist.   Having the above-mentioned characteristics plus a history of proven results, will certainly accomplish the latter.

Electrology is the science of permanent hair removal utilizing only solid needle/probe devices. A fine sterile needle/probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a small amount of electrical energy is discharged which destroys the hair growth tissue. When this is competently and skillfully accomplished, the regenerative ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated2.  What three basic methods are used in the practice of e

Electrolysis --- Direct current (DC), is used to achieve chemical destruction of the hair follicle. One or more sterile needles/probes are used.

Thermolysis --- Alternating current (AC), sometimes referred to as high frequency or shortwave, is used to create heat which destroys the hair follicle. One sterile needle/probe is used.

The Blend (also referred to as Dual Modality) --- Both of the above currents are used simultaneously or sequentially to achieve dual action destruction of the hair follicle. Most often, a single sterile needle/probe is used for this procedure.

If you want permanent hair removal, electrology is the only way to achieve this goal.

Laser vs. Electrology:

While laser promoters compare laser to electrology, although some laser devices have been cleared for permanent reduction, laser assisted hair removal is considered a temporary method of hair removal. Additionally, laser hair removal has not been evaluated for long-term safety of the patient's skin and health....etc.

Electrology is The Permanent Choice.

For more information http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/laserfacts.html   

Waxing or Threading vs. Electrology:

Waxing and threading will remove all of the visible hair, but can result in skin problems including ingrown hair. To keep your skin clear, waxing must be done frequently forever.

Electrology is The Permanent Choice.

Tweezing vs. Electrology:

Tweezing is easy to do, and inexpensive too. However hair can become coarser from the repeated tweezing and skin problems including ingrown hair can result.

Electrology is The Permanent Choice.

Depilatories vs. Electrology:

Depilatories will remove the hair by dissolving it with a chemical. This can result in a chemical burning of the skin.

Electrology is The Permanent Choice.

Shaving vs. Electrology:

Shaving is inexpensive and easy. However, the hair will grow fast and feel coarse.

Electrology is The Permanent Choice.

The American Electrology Association (AEA) has written Standards for Infection Control in the electrology practice following the most recent material on infection control from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Association for Practitioners in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The consumer of electrology treatments should request information from the electrologist about the Standard Precautions used. Standard Precautions includes hand washing, the use of gloves, sterilization of critical items used in electrology treatments, the proper disinfection of semi-critical and non-critical items, and the proper cleaning of environmental surfaces.

The number of treatments necessary varies with each patient/client. Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal physiologic changes, certain medications and stress influence the treatment program for each individual. It is very important to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule to achieve optimum results in the shortest time frame. Some improvement should be observed within several months after initiating treatment, provided the patient adheres to the recommended treatment . b

Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair germ cells may require additional treatments. During the course of treatment and due to the cyclic nature of hair growth, new hairs as well as hairs emerging from a dormant phase will also be treated and may be visible the same time as finer regrowth hairs.

All hairs have differing cycles of growth and are not visible on the surface of the skin at the same time. Hair normally grows for its usual cycle and then naturally sheds and replaces itself. Following active growing periods, most hair follicles go into a dormant stage. The period of dormancy may last for an indefinite period of time, however, replacement hairs usually appear within 3 to 12 months. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.

It is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without sensation because each hair follicle is surrounded by its own network of nerve endings. The sensation, which may be felt, is assurance that destructive activity is taking place. Even though some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, adjustments can be made which helps to make the treatment more comfortable.

Immediately following treatment, there may be a slight redness and/or swelling which usually disappears within a few hours. Occasionally, small whiteheads or tiny scabs may occur. It is important to remember that scabs are a part of the normal healing process in some people. If scabbing does occur, the patient is advised to not pick them off. When electrology is administered by a qualified electrologist using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, the results are most satisfactory.1

Unwanted hair can be safely removed from most body areas. The most common areas include the hairline, bridge of nose, eyebrows, upper and lower lip, cheeks, sideburns, chin, neck, shoulders, arms and underarms, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, legs back and chest. The inside of the ears and nose should not be treated.12

Although electrology has never been proven harmful to pregnant women, we suggest that you seek the advice of your physician before beginning treatment.13

State licensing laws and/or some general liability insurance policies may prohibit removal of hair from moles. In cases where neither of the above restrictions exists, your electrologist may require written approval from your physician.1

Regulation of electrology is on a state-by-state basis. States regulating the practice of electrology require a practitioner hold a valid license.

Membership in the American Electrology Association indicates the electrologist is keeping current with their field. Look for certificates, with current dates, as evidence of professionalism.

The American Electrology Association has established specific standards for the profession including a national board certification credential, Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE). This designation indicates that the electrologist has successfully passed comprehensive national testing. Once awarded the CPE credential, the electrologist must fulfill continuing education requirements and/or be re-tested in order to maintain the prestigious CPE status.

Many people find an electrologist through the Yellow Pages of local directories that contain valuable information regarding professional credentials. Sometimes, family and friends can make excellent recommendations. Also, one can ask a physician who is familiar with electrology for a referral.

In states where the law allows, most electrologists offer free consultations. Begin your journey with us as we help you find a solution to the unwanted hair that has been holding you back. We invite you to visit the American Electrology Association Member Referral Directory right here on-line.K F